Allergy Test in India: Purpose, Types, Procedure, Cost & Results

Are you constantly battling sneezing fits, unexplained skin rashes, or digestive issues? These could be signs of an allergy, where your immune system overreacts to harmless substances. In India, with its diverse environment and food culture, identifying your specific triggers is the first step toward effective management and relief. This guide explains everything about allergy testing, from blood tests (IgE) and skin tests to costs and how to understand your results.

An allergy test is a medical diagnostic procedure performed by a specialist to determine if your body has an allergic reaction to a known substance (allergen). By exposing you to a tiny, safe amount of a suspected allergen, the test identifies specific triggers like pollen, dust mites, foods, or medications that cause your symptoms.

Getting an allergy test is crucial for improving your quality of life. An allergist might recommend it for several key reasons:

To accurately diagnose conditions like hay fever (allergic rhinitis), asthma, eczema, and food allergies.

• To pinpoint specific triggers for symptoms like sneezing, coughing, wheezing, hives, rashes, itchy eyes, or stomach cramps.
• To differentiate between a true food allergy and a food intolerance.
• To check for drug allergies before prescribing medications like penicillin.
• To create a targeted treatment plan and monitor its effectiveness.

The right test depends on your symptoms and medical history. The most common types are:

Allergy Blood Test (Serum IgE Test)

A simple blood sample is drawn and analyzed in a lab to measure specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. High levels of IgE antibodies to a substance indicate an allergy. This test is very common and can check for hundreds of allergens at once through different panels (food, environmental, or comprehensive).

Skin Prick Test (SPT)

In this common test, a drop of liquid allergen is placed on your skin (usually the forearm). The skin is then lightly pricked. A positive reaction—a small, raised, red bump called a wheal—appears within 15-20 minutes.

Patch Test

Used for diagnosing contact dermatitis (a delayed skin reaction), this test involves applying allergens to patches placed on your skin. You wear the patches for 48 hours before the doctor checks for a reaction.

The procedure is simple and safe.

• For a Blood Test: A phlebotomist will draw a small blood sample from your arm. You can book a test at a diagnostic lab or opt for home sample collection.
• For a Skin Prick Test: A specialist will clean your skin, apply the allergen drops, and make tiny pricks. You will then wait in the clinic for about 20 minutes to observe any reaction.
• Important: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. Antihistamines must be stopped several days before a skin test for accurate results.

Your report will list the substances you were tested for and your body's reaction to each.

• Skin Test Report: Describes the size of the wheal for each allergen.
• Blood Test Report: Shows the level of IgE antibodies for each allergen, often categorized into classes (e.g., Class 0 to Class 6) from low to very high. Always discuss the results with your doctor. They will interpret the report alongside your symptoms to create a personalized management plan.

The allergy test price in India varies based on:

• Type of Test: A comprehensive allergy profile costs more than a test for a few allergens.
• Number of Allergens: Skin test prices often depend on the number of allergens tested.
• City & Lab: Costs differ between cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore and vary by diagnostic lab. Generally, a basic allergy blood test can start from ₹1000, while a comprehensive panel can range from ₹2500 to ₹8000+. It is best to check the exact price with the laboratory.

Receiving your results is the first step. Your doctor will then recommend a management plan, which may include:

• Avoidance: A detailed plan to avoid your identified allergens.
• Medication: Prescribing antihistamines, nasal sprays, or emergency epinephrine (for severe allergies).
• Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or drops to desensitize your immune system over time. Consult an allergist to discuss the best treatment options for you.

1. How accurate are allergy blood tests?

Allergy blood tests are considered highly accurate and are a reliable tool for diagnosis when interpreted by a doctor along with your medical history.

2. Is allergy testing painful?

A blood test feels like a standard injection prick. A skin prick test is not painful; it feels like a light scratch and does not draw blood. Any itching from a positive reaction is temporary.

3. What is an allergy panel test?

An allergy panel or profile test is a blood test that screens for IgE antibodies to a pre-defined group (panel) of common allergens, such as regional pollens, dust mites, or common foods.

4. How long do allergy test results take?

Skin prick test results are immediate, available in about 20 minutes. Blood test results from a lab typically take 2-5 days.

5. How can I get an allergy test near me?

Allergy testing is widely available. You can visit a diagnostic centre or book an allergy test with home sample collection in most Indian cities.

6. What is the official name for an allergy blood test?

The most common name is the Specific IgE (sIgE) blood test. It may also be listed as an ImmunoCAP test, a RAST test, or part of a Food/Environmental Allergy Panel.